Golf swing training device

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method is described for providing training and visual feedback of a preferred swing. The apparatus includes bands that are secured to the arms or legs of a user and an alignment member that is attached to the bands. In use, the ends of the alignment member are visible to the user throughout an entire swing of a sport equipment without requiring head movement of the user. By observing the position of the ends of the alignment member relative to the body of the user, the user or trainer is able to determine whether a preferred swing is being executed by the user.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/572,399, entitled “Golf Swing TrainingDevice,” filed on Aug. 10, 2012, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/575,000, filed on Aug. 12, 2011,the disclosures of which are all incorporated herein by reference intheir entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of Invention

The present invention is related to sport swing mechanics and moreparticularly, a golf swing training apparatus.

2. Description of Related Art

Generally, golf enthusiasts, both amateur and professional, seek to hitthe ball farther to improve their golf game and lower their golf gamescore. Golf teachers and analysts are continually giving their opinionson how to hit the ball farther by performing a proper golf swing and howto properly execute a preferred golf swing. However, even “experts”cannot agree on a simple method and explanation for correctly swinging agolf club.

Over the years, to achieve greater distance and accuracy, the golf swinghas changed from one that relies more on the swinging of the arms andhands around the body, to one that relies more on the rotation of thebody to leverage and accelerate the arms and hands.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments according to aspects of the invention include an apparatusand method having a visual indicator that is entirely visible throughoutthe golf swing. The invention enables a golfer to understand, examine,rehearse, and practice important positions (statically) includingset-up, top of back swing, and finish. These positions show the rotationand swing plane. The golf swing trainer of the present invention bothconnects the golfer's arms and unifies the golfer's arms, hands and clubin relation to the turning of the body to facilitate proper timing inthe golf swing. The golf swing training device according to aspects ofthe invention is further adjustable to fit every golfer's swing and bodysize and fits comfortably while providing a simple system to put on andtake off

In an embodiment of the invention, a training device comprises: firstand second bands suitable for securing to limbs of a user; an alignmentmember coupled to said first and second bands with corresponding firstand second coupling brackets, said alignment member coupled to saidbands approximately transverse to a longitudinal axis of each of saidbands, said alignment member having uncoupled proximal and distal endsthat extend beyond outward facing sides of said first and second bands;wherein said alignment member couples to said first and second couplingbrackets by sliding through bushings of each of said coupling brackets;wherein said first coupling bracket includes at least one bushingcomprised of a material having a high coefficient of friction to reducesliding of the alignment member through said bushing; and wherein saidsecond coupling bracket includes at least one bushing comprised of amaterial having a low coefficient of friction to facilitate sliding ofthe alignment member through said bushing. The training device furtherincludes a resilient member interconnecting first and second bands in aspaced but opposing relation. The first and second bands are coupled tosaid corresponding first and second coupling brackets in a manner toallow rotation of each of said bands. The alignment member comprises along, small-diameter, light-weight indicator rod. The first and secondbands are further suitable for securing to an upper portion of the armsof the user.

In another embodiment of the invention, a training device comprises:bands suitable for securing to limbs of a user; and an alignment membercoupled to said bands, said alignment member coupled to said bandsapproximately transverse to a longitudinal axis of said bands, saidalignment member having uncoupled proximal and distal ends of saidalignment member that extend beyond outward facing sides of said bands,wherein said bands and alignment member are coupled together withcoupling brackets, said bands being coupled to said coupling brackets ina manner to allow pivoting of said bands during a swing. The trainingdevice further includes a resilient member coupled between at least twoof said bands. The alignment member comprises an indicator rod having alength greater than a distance between the bands. The bands are furthersuitable for securing to an upper portion of arms of the user or forsecuring to an upper portion of legs of the user. The indicator rodcouples to said coupling bracket by sliding through bushings of saidcoupling bracket. At least one of said bushings comprises rubber. Thetraining device may further comprise inserts for insertion into thebands.

The foregoing, and other features and advantages of the invention, willbe apparent from the following, more particular description of thedetailed embodiments of the invention, the accompanying drawings, andthe claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, the objectsand advantages thereof, reference is now made to the ensuingdescriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings brieflydescribed as follows:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a golf swing training device inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the golf swing training device of the typeshown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the golf swing training device of thetype shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the golf swing training device ofthe type shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 depicts three human forms swinging a golf club utilizing the golfswing training device of the type shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 depicts a front view of a series of human forms at various stagesof swinging a golf club utilizing the golf swing training device of thetype shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 depicts a front view of a series of human forms at various stagesof swinging a golf club utilizing the golf swing training device of thetype shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a golf swing training device inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the golf swing training device of thetype shown in FIG. 8 having the arm bands swiveled and expanded.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The following description provides detail of various embodiments of theinvention, one or more examples of which are set forth below. Each ofthese embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the invention,and not intended to be a limitation of the invention. Further, thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications andvariations may be made in the present invention without departing fromthe scope or spirit of the invention. By way of example, those skilledin the art will recognize that features illustrated or described as partof one embodiment, may be used in another embodiment to yield a stillfurther embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention alsocover such modifications and variations that come within the scope ofthe appended claims and their equivalents.

Although the present invention is described in the context of a golfswing trainer, the present invention is also applicable to other typesof sports swings including, but not limited to baseball, softball, andtennis.

The training apparatus 10 includes an alignment member or indicator rod16 that provides instant feedback to alignment and target line as wellas arm position relative to the body as the body rotates. Many sportsrequire a rotational movement of the body to apply an approximatelylinear force to an object. For example, a discus or ball is preferablythrown in a generally straight line by first rotating the arms about thebody to deliver a linear force to the ball or discus. Likewise, a golferrotates the arms and golf club about the body to deliver anapproximately linear force to a ball when the golf club head strikes theball.

Generally, the faster the golfer swings the golf club, the greater theforce that is transferred to the golf ball. Synchronization of the armsto the upper body as the body rotates delivers both speed andconsistency of impact. Conversely, if the arms are unsynchronizedrelative to the upper body, for example, the arms moving across the bodyinstead of staying in front of the upper body, the more separated thearms and upper body become, resulting in less speed and power. Anincrease in the rotation of the hands and arms alone cannot make up forthe speed loss caused by not using the body properly.

The golf swing training device 10 is designed to visually communicatethe positions required to make a consistent and powerful swing as wellas communicate the feel of a properly connected swing where the arms andbody are synchronized to deliver maximum speed and consistency. Thevarious positions of the indicator rod 16 throughout the swing enables agolfer, while swinging, to determine whether the body is rotatingproperly thereby enabling its user to make immediate adjustment.

For example, when executing a full golf swing (for right-handedgolfers), when the user positions the golf club head adjacent the golfball, it is desirable for a left end of the indicator rod 16 to point upbut parallel to the target line. As the golfer rotates the golf club upand away from the golf ball, the left side of the indicator rod 16preferably rotates to the right, and arrives at a position at the top orcompletion of the backswing that is at least 90-degrees from the targetline (the preferred line or path of ball travel) while the longitudinalaxis of the indicator rod 16 is preferable parallel to the ground.

As the user begins a downswing of the golf club, the left end of theindicator rod 16 preferably begins to point slightly up as the right endof the indicator rods drops down. As the user continues the downswing,as the golf club head impacts the golf ball, the alignment member 16should be in a position nearly identical to the position when the userpositions the golf club head adjacent to the golf ball. As the usercontinues to rotate the club after impact, for example follow-through,the left end of the indicator rod 16 should rotate left horizontally asit moves up before inverting or exchanging relative positions with theright end of the indicator rod with the completion of the golf swing.Stated otherwise, the desired ending position of the alignment member16, rotates the end of the alignment member 16 approximately 180 degreesfrom the position at full backswing, while the rod 16 is aligned in aplane relative to the ground similar to a plane relative to the groundat full backswing. Also, at the ending position of follow through, theright end of the indicator rod 16 should point slightly up and rotatedapproximately 90 degrees from its starting position.

The position of the ends of the indicator rod 16 may also be utilized bythe golfer to identify undesirable body and arm positions throughout agolf swing. For example: if a golfer's body rotates less than 90-degreesin the backswing this should be readily visible to the golfer based onthe position of the indicator rod. Also in the backswing, if the leftend of the indicator rod dips down below the right end, or if the leftend rises up above the right end, the golfer is not swinging the club onthe proper plane and will have difficulty squaring the clubface to theintended target line at impact. Further, in the downswing, if the golferdoes not rotate the right end of the indicator rod past the left endboth power and accuracy will be reduced.

Turning attention now to the Figures, embodiments of the golf swing 30training device 10 of the present invention will now be described inmore detail and are generally shown in FIGS. 1-4. The training apparatus10 of the present invention generally includes arm bands 12 and 14 thatfit at least partially around the outside portion of a user's upper armsjust above elbows, for example. The arm bands are preferably flexibleand are constructed to bend or expand to different sized arms. FIGS. 8and 9 illustrate an example of hinged expandable arm bands 32 and 34.The arm bands 32 and 34 are partitioned and held together with a hinge38 that allows a free end of the arm band to rotate about a pin 36 ofthe hinge 38. A portion of the pin 36 includes teeth that restricts thehinge from rotating. The two-piece arm bands and pins allow the armbands to both ratchet and lock for custom sizing. The lock mechanism orpin 36 is actuated from a first locking position (see FIG. 8) to asecond rotating position (see FIG. 9) to allow the user to adjust therelative size of the arm band. When the lock mechanism is locked, aportion of the teeth of the pin holds the arm band in a position havingthe adjusted relative size of the arm band. Those skilled in the artwill appreciate that other adjustments, clasps, and hinges, for example,may be incorporated into the arm bands to provide an adjustable andexpandable arm band. Without limitation intended, for example, theexpandable arm bands may be divided but held together with a lockmechanism so that a tab portion of one section of the arm band slides ina slot of the other section. The two-piece arm bands with lockmechanism, with tabs and slots, would allow the arm bands to bothincrease or decrease a relative diameter of the arm band, therebyallowing for custom sizing of the arm band. Further, the inside of thearm bands 12 and 14 may be lined with felt or other padding to furtherprovide a comfortable fit against the user's arm. The same may beaccomplished using arm bands of different sizes.

The alignment member 16 may be of known suitable construction,including, for example, a long, light-weight rod. The alignment member16 is engaged with the arm bands through coupling brackets 18 and 20.Each bracket is preferably provided with at least two bushings that areadapted for receiving the alignment rod, wherein the plurality ofbushings provides stability to the rod 16 as it slides through thebushings. First coupling bracket 18 includes bushings 24 havingapertures sized to allow the alignment member to slide through theaperture. In the preferred embodiment, the bushings 24 are constructedof a compressible rubber and the aperture has an inner diameter that isslightly less than the outer diameter of the alignment member 16. Inthis manner, when the rod 16 is slid into bushing 24 the rubbercompresses but provides a frictional resistance to the sliding of therod 16 within the bushing 24. It may be said that the bushing 24 has ahigh coefficient of friction because the rod 16 meets resistance whensliding in the bushing 24. The second coupling bracket 20 includesbushings 26 having an aperture that is sized to allow the alignmentmember to slide through the aperture. In the preferred embodiment, thebushings 26 are constructed of a plastic nylon, polypropylene,polytetrafluroethylene (PTFE) or other suitable plastic of desirable,known construction having a low coefficient of friction. The bushings 26have an inner diameter that is slightly larger than the outer diameterof the alignment member 16. In this manner, when the rod 16 is slid intobushing 26 the rod 16 is met with little resistance.

A resilient member or band 22 interconnects the arm bands 12 and 14 inspaced relation. The band 22 may be constructed of elastic or othersuitable resilient material and the length may be adjusted depending onthe desired separation distance between the arm bands. As the distancebetween the arm bands increases and decreases the alignment member 16slides in the bushings 26 of the coupling bracket 20. Swivel mechanisms28 and 30 of known suitable construction are used to couple the armbands 12 and 14 to the coupling brackets 18 and 20. When the golferswings the golf club from the backswing through the follow through, theswivels 28 and 30 allow the arm bands to pivot slightly, providingfreedom of movement and additional comfort for the user.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a golfer is shown holding a golf club in abackswing position 40 and 42. The alignment member is shown with theends of the alignment member in a preferred orientation relative to theground and golf ball. With reference to the golfer identified as 44, theposition of the golfer's hips and shoulders are not preferred and theends of the alignment member 16 are consequently in an undesiredorientation relative to the ground and golf ball.

FIG. 6 depicts a front view of a sequence of preferred orientations50-70 of a golfer and the corresponding preferred position of thealignment member 16. As the golfer first addresses the ball 50 thelongitudinal axes of alignment member 16 aligns with the approximatepreferred trajectory of the ball and the end of the alignment membernear the ball is slightly higher than the end further away from theball. As the golfer rotates the arms and body to move the golf clubbackward 52-56, and as the golfer begins to swing the club forward58-60, the longitudinal axis of the alignment member 16 should remainrelatively parallel with the ground. As the golfer 62 swings the golfclub near the golf ball 62, the position of the alignment member shouldreturn to a position similar to the position when the ball is addressed(50). As the golfer continues to swing the club to follow through 64-70the end of the alignment member, that was initially furthest from theball, should rotate past the initial position and its finish positionshould point towards the approximate desired trajectory of the ball.

FIG. 7 depicts a side view of a sequence of preferred orientations80-100 of a golfer and the corresponding position of the alignmentmember 16. As the golfer first addresses the ball 80 the longitudinalaxes of alignment member 16 aligns with the approximate preferredtrajectory of the ball and the end of the alignment member near the ballis slightly higher than the end further away from the ball. As thegolfer rotates the arms and body to move the golf club backward 82-86,and as the golfer begins to swing the club forward 88-90, thelongitudinal axis of the alignment member 16 should remain relativelyparallel with the ground. As the golfer 92 swings the golf club near thegolf ball the position of the alignment member should return to aposition similar to the position when the ball is addressed 80. As thegolfer continues to swing the club to follow through 94-100 the end ofthe alignment member, that was initially furthest from the ball, shouldrotate past the initial position of the ball and its finish positionshould point towards the approximate desired trajectory of the ball. Asdepicted in the sequence of golfing positions, the golf swing trainingapparatus 10 provides a visual indicator of the position of the golfer'sarms and body that is visible without requiring a turn of the golfer'shead.

In an embodiment of the invention, the bands 12 and 14 can be used asleg bands. Thus, the training apparatus 10 can be used as a leg positionindicator with bands located just above the knees. Optionally, the sizeof the bands can be varied. In another embodiment of the invention,interchangeable and differently sized foam inserts are included forinsertion into the bands in order to accommodate differently sizedlimbs.

The foregoing is offered primarily for purposes of illustration. It willbe readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the materials andtheir proportions, as well as the operating conditions, procedural stepsand other parameters of the inventions described herein may be furthermodified or substituted in various ways without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention.

I claim:
 1. A training device, comprising: first and second bandssuitable for securing to limbs of a user; an alignment member coupled tosaid first and second bands with corresponding first and second couplingbrackets, said alignment member coupled to said bands approximatelytransverse to a longitudinal axis of each of said bands, said alignmentmember having uncoupled proximal and distal ends that extend beyondoutward facing sides of said first and second bands; wherein saidalignment member couples to said first and second coupling brackets bysliding through bushings of each of said coupling brackets; wherein saidfirst coupling bracket includes at least one bushing comprised of amaterial having a high coefficient of friction to reduce sliding of thealignment member through said bushing; and wherein said second couplingbracket includes at least one bushing comprised of a material having alow coefficient of friction to facilitate sliding of the alignmentmember through said bushing.
 2. The training device as recited in claim1, further including a resilient member interconnecting first and secondbands in a spaced but opposing relation.
 3. The training device asrecited in claim 1, wherein said first and second bands are coupled tosaid corresponding first and second coupling brackets in a manner toallow rotation of each of said bands.
 4. The training device as recitedin claim 1, wherein said alignment member comprises a long,small-diameter, light-weight indicator rod.
 5. The training device asrecited in claim 1, wherein said first and second bands are furthersuitable for securing to an upper portion of the arms of the user.
 6. Atraining device, comprising: bands suitable for securing to limbs of auser; and an alignment member coupled to said bands, said alignmentmember coupled to said bands approximately transverse to a longitudinalaxis of said bands, said alignment member having uncoupled proximal anddistal ends of said alignment member that extend beyond outward facingsides of said bands, wherein said bands and alignment member are coupledtogether with coupling brackets, said bands being coupled to saidcoupling brackets in a manner to allow pivoting of said bands during aswing.
 7. The training device as recited in claim 6, further including aresilient member coupled between at least two of said bands.
 8. Thetraining device as recited in claim 6, wherein said alignment membercomprises an indicator rod having a length greater than a distancebetween the bands.
 9. The training device as recited in claim 6, whereinsaid bands are further suitable for securing to an upper portion of armsof the user.
 10. The training device as recited in claim 6, wherein saidbands are further suitable for securing to an upper portion of legs ofthe user.
 11. The training device as recited in claim 8, wherein saidindicator rod couples to said coupling bracket by sliding throughbushings of said coupling bracket.
 12. The training device as recited inclaim 11, wherein at least one of said bushings comprises rubber. 13.The training device as recited in claim 6, further comprising insertsfor insertion into the bands.